There is not much awareness on SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), defined as the sudden unexplained death of a child less than one year of age. It is believed that one in 250 babies die from SIDS. Yet there is no cure or a medical explanation for these infant deaths.
To highlight this issue and create awareness on SIDS, Rob and Tanya Gill are organizing a fundraiser in memory of their son, Azaan Singh Gill, who lost his life in 2011 due to SIDS. Azaan was a healthy baby boy and lost his life at the age of six months.
The fundraiser, titled Steps For SIDS!, takes place on August 26 at the North Surrey Secondary School track from 11 am to 3 pm. Funds raised will go to the pathology research clinic at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation to help find a cure for SIDS. “We hope that another family doesn’t go through the pain and suffering that we did,” expresses the couple.
Steps for SIDS is open to the public and is intended for all ages. Participants are encouraged to register before or at the event and fundraise or make a donation. “There will be loads of fun activities like arts and crafts, bouncy castle for kids and face painting, food trucks, an obstacle course for adults, live music and special guest speakers. It’s going to be an amazing fun-filled event,” says Rob, encouraging people to be part of the fundraiser.
Tanya hopes that through the event, more individuals are educated about this sensitive, crucial health issue. “We want to let everyone know that this can happen to anyone. We want people to come forward and join us, as this is a sensitive topic,” she states in conclusion.
Steps For SIDS!
Date: Saturday, August 26, 2017
Location: North Surrey Secondary School at the track (15945 96 Ave, Surrey, BC)
Time: Event opens at 10:30am, program and walk begins at 11:00am
Who: Steps for SIDS is open to the public and is intended for all ages. Participants are encouraged to register before or at the event and fundraise or make a donation.
Join hundreds of walkers and supporters to collectively bring awareness to this very important cause. There currently isn’t a cure for SIDS and evidence is unknown as to why children suddenly die. Therefore, it is imperative to fund research being conducted at BC Children’s Hospital while bringing together families and caregivers who have been affected or are involved with SIDS.
- Walk for one hour on the track
- Register as an individual walker or as a team (registration information will be available soon)
- Be creative – dress up in a costume or in your finest fitness gear!
- Enjoy activities and games – for the whole family
- Buy tickets for a chance to win a raffle draw prize
- Dance to the tunes of the on-site DJ
- Meet Sunny Bear – BC Children’s Hospital mascot (and take lots of photos)
- Visit the food trucks for a bite to eat or drink after the walk
For more information or make donations, check bcchf.ca/stepsforsids.